Northland College Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Abby from Bloomington, IL

12/29/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

12 out of 12 people found this review useful.
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Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

For those who love the outdoors and wish to be a part of the outdoors while studying the environment, then yes, Northland is perfect for you. The environment is everywhere at Northland, in the classroom and beyond. You will get the opportunity to learn out in the field. There will be trips to Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters, even through the ravine on campus. For those who want an environmental education, Northland will do more than provide just that. The environment is at the forefront of everything at Northland, with saving it the ultimate goal. With Northland's close community, you will find others with your same beliefs. Being an environmentalist is not necessary at Northland, just enjoy being outside. Those who are not environmentalists will still find Northland to be a wonderful place because of the people you meet, the friends you make, and the quality of education you receive.

Tips for prospective students

Talk to some current students, visit the college during one of their many visit days, visit the website. The best thing to do when considering a college is to get acquainted with that college. Don't make rash decisions; pick a college that has what you want and that has what you need. Northland is not your typical college. It is an environmental liberal arts college. Northland focuses on the environment, but it provides you with a creative college experience. Northland forces you to think about problems in ways you never thought before. Be willing to explore different avenues and thoroughly think about your college choice before you apply. Make sure you want to go there.

Bang for the buck

Northland is definitely worth the price. The first thing new students do is their orientation trip. This is a week or so hiking, camping, kayaking in the Lake Superior area. This is the opportunity to make lasting friendships and to explore Northland's surrounding area. The dorms are comfortable and feel like home. The dorms and bathrooms are cleaned three times weekly. The dorm rooms have plenty of space and do not feel cramped. Internet access is available almost every where. The library is awesome, with two levels and a computer lab. The student center is a cool place to hang out and meet up with friends. There is even a music house. The academics are well worth the cost. The professors and administrators know you by name and are always eager to help you succeed.

Am enjoying being here

The people at Northland are the school's best aspect. Friends are easy to find and everyone fits in somewhere. The atmosphere is always upbeat and pleasant. There are numerous extracurricular activities every day and many clubs and organizations, so there is never time to be bored. Aside from the people, Northland's campus is beautiful year round, with many open spaces and places to relax. Northland feels like home; it's a comfortable and inviting place. The close proximity of Lake Superior and other wilderness areas make Northland the ideal place for those who love the outdoors. Nature is literally at your fingertips.

Am learning a lot

The level and sophistication of the academic program at Northland is outstanding. The professors are always willing to provide any assistance and they want to see their students succeed. They push you to do your best in order to become a more advanced student in whatever field you choose to study. The professors also get to know you on a personal level, which adds to the learning process. Experience both in the classroom and out in the field provide for a quality education that leaves students feeling prepared for their next step in life, whether that step is a career or grad school.

Freshman Northlander!

11/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I feel extremely safe going across campus. You hear stories on the news about something happening to a student from a state university. I promise you, safe place to be. There is security 24 hours a day (literally) and if you feel threatened at any time just call them or press a button outside the dorms & they will come.

Greek Life

I don't think there are any...

Clubs and Activities

There are quite a few at Northland. The Clubs don't meet necessarily every week (some do), but on a monthly basis which is nice for scheduling. MANY MANY MANY MANY MANY places to volunteer in the community. No worries.

Great for these types of students

Awesome people...duh! If you are into the Outdoors/Nature/Sustainability Active College then you have found your new home! It's so awesome the amount of Environmentalism that is ingrained in Northland.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A ton of festivals go on around the area and talks in the Sigurd Olson Building to name a couple. You will experience a TON on campus-it's hard to explain & I don't want to ruin it so you can discover the magic at Northland. Student Vending Initiative-Student ran Soda machines that sell local soft drinks on campus Between $1.25-$1.50 for a glass bottle. VERY tasty!

Bang for the buck

Yes! Northland does a stellar job with scholarships to students. APPLY TO ALL THAT YOU CAN for Northland. The only reason I am coming here is because of the scholarships I got here. Try to get as many local scholarships as possible & save your money now for college expenses.

What to do for fun

Lots of time to go to local places in town, bike around, go to Scenic places. The lake is literally one mile from campus & walking to main street takes no time at all. ALSO the Bart Bus System is free for all Northland College Students (just show your I.D.)

Food and Dining

You get a certain amount of meals per semester & you get food dollars to spend at The Chub (School Store & Snack bar) and there is a grocery store down the road if you need to pick up something quick. There are foods that are there every meal, which is nice, and a lot of local stuff! There are only a few chains in town (Little Caesars, Walgreens, Walmart, McDonalds,BK, Arby's, and Subway.)

Dorm Life

Get a dorm you would feel most comfortable in (Athletes & Hunters would be McMillan, All girls dorm would be Mead, etc.) Not too bad. Just don't get a single-that's super anti-social. Learn to live with someone your first year & if you hate it then change your sophomore year.

Academic Rigor

Usually Freshman classes aren't that difficult, but do take it as seriously as possible. The GPA is set up that even the minuses and pluses count on your GPA. Profs really know what they are talking about and have a solid knowledge of their field. Other than freshman classes I would say the 300 level & 400 level are about a 4/5 star...have to study A LOT more. Try to know what you want to major in around your first semester sophomore year...it will save you money & help with course selection.

Tips for prospective students

TAKE AS MANY AP CLASS (and get the credit) AS YOU CAN! Especially AP Statistics or AP Calculus because Northland only requires one math class to be take & if you can knock it out before you get here that will save you time & lots of money! Also, get as much money as you possibly can before college & SAVE IT ALL! I'm serious...there are things at Northland that aren't free but you know you'll want to do. PLEASE have adult summers and work to get money or even during the school year. You will appreciate having the money in college versus right now on some mindless thing.

In three sentences

Holy Cow, Northland is AH-MAZING! It has great science programs (that's what I'd like to go into) and many opportunities to flourish as a undergrad student. It is an environmentally friendly college that really has you hooked even more than before you come.

The cafeteria is better than what you would expect. The school cooperates a lot with the contracted dining service to get the students fresh vegetables grown by the student agriculture groups, all fresh free range organic eggs from a local farm, and many vegetarian and vegan alternatives.

Dorm Life

Students are very active in social activities. Northland has a strong sense of camaraderie in the community. The Northland College Student Association puts on music performances, runs the campus radio station with which any student can have a show, the student newspaper, and the legendary SnoFest.

Academic Rigor

Northland's professors care a great deal about the education that students are receiving and will often go out of their own way to make sure you get what you need and are challenged enough. On that note, if you are the type who doesn't care it is possible, just at any other school, to squeeze by.

Tips for prospective students

See as much of Northland as you possibly can. There is much to offer that is often overlooked because there is so much. Also, ask questions so people can show you what you are interested in.

In three sentences

Northland is an environmental liberal arts college with many strong academic opportunities, including Geosciences, English/Writing, Outdoor Education, Natural Resources, Sociology, and others. Field studies and research are common. Northland also has vibrant dorm and campus life with various social activities.

It is expensive, scholarships are great though. Bang for the buck is a personal thing though. If this is the kind of school you are looking it is worth it, but otherwise you might be wasting money.

What to do for fun

There is unlimited number of things to do here. Bands to listen to, camping, hiking, Apple fest, open mic nights and ultimate frisbee just to name a few. There isn't time to be bored here.

Food and Dining

The caf food is not expected to be great anywhere I guess, but a positive thing going on at Northland is that they are working towards getting more local food in there.

Dorm Life

The dorms are all pretty standard, though there are some very nices ones as well. Those are mostly for upper class men though. The best thing that happens your freshman year is all the time the school puts into picking your roomates, I haven't met anyone who doesn't get a long great with their roomate.

Academic Rigor

Just because you get accepted at Northland does not mean you are up to their standards of education, it can be really hard at times and you have to work through it. On the other hand there are so many opportunities to receive help.

Tips for prospective students

When you come to Northland be prepared to learn a lot in classes and about who you are. Keep an open mind.

In three sentences

Northland gives almost all of it students a place of being and a sense of home. In my short time here thus far I have met great professors and made life long friends. It may seem cilche, but it is the truth, Northland is the true college experience.

Codi from Gordon, WI

This school is great for students that like the outdoors, want to live in a sustainable environment and want to learn more on how to help the earth. While meeting new people.

What to do for fun

You will never be bored, there is so much fun things to do for all the seasons. You can go hiking and bike riding in the parks around the area or go for a walk in the ravine. In the fall you can head up to Bay Field and see all the beautiful fall colors. And during the winter time you can build snowmen, forts, go snowboarding and sledding.

Food and Dining

The dining service is great they have a lot of local food and food for vegetarians. The staff is really nice as well.

Dorm Life

Dorm life it great you get to meet a lot of amazing people and experience living on your own to a cretin extent.

Academic Rigor

There are not many challenges in the classroom due to the class sizes being small. If you have any questions the professors are more then pleased to help you in anyway possible.

Tips for prospective students

When you get to school be sure to say hi to people and join clubs you will be able to meet lots more students. Make sure you are studying a lot and keeping up with class assignments as well.

In three sentences

Northland College is one of the most amazing schools I've attended. Everybody is nice to one another and the teachers are very close to their students. The class sizes are small so you get a lot of one on one attention in the classroom.

Kaylee from Spooner, WI

01/15/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Northland is about the safest campus you could ever find. The campus safety officers are really relaxed and friendly; they aren't out to bust you, but they're there if you need them. Also Northland students look out for each other.

Greek Life

If you're looking for some frat boys or sorority sisters, you got the wrong place.

Clubs and Activities

Northland has a high club to student ratio. All students are a part of Northland College Student Association (NCSA), the only student government in the country to be its own non-profit organization and set its own budget. You can join Environmental Council or the American Fisheries Society. We have a large Alliance, a Nordic Ski Club, and if you are interested in Native American culture, you can join NASA, the Native American Students Association.

Great for these types of students

Northland is a great place for the open-minded, environmentally conscious student. Northland's community is very accepting of all kinds of people--as long as you recycle. Whether you're a guerilla gardener, a neo-hippie, a hockey-player, the everyday activist, the bookish type, or some strange combination of these qualities, you'll find you niche at Northland.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The list of Northland traditions is as odd and eclectic as its student body. In the fall, you'll celebrate Floyd E. Queeb at 10:28, after winter break, you'll find yourself trudging through snow banks in your finest dress clothes, and in the spring the graduating seniors walk across Fenenga Bridge to the sound of bagpipes or the world's loudest drum. When you're a Northland student, you might find yourself building giant sculptures from snow, wrestling in kiddie pools of vegetable oil, building blanket forts in the cafeteria, or Kool-aide chugging. Unfortunately, if you want to know more about these unusual traditions, you'll have to become a Northlander.

Bang for the buck

Northland gives awesome scholarships and financial aid. Many students come to Northland with their education more than half paid for through scholarships. Room and board and meal plans are the most expensive part of the bill for many students. Don't be discouraged by the sticker price, 99% of students an Northland receive financial aid--unless you're a 1%-er you won't pay that.

What to do for fun

Northland abounds with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Bay City Creek runs through a ravine in the middle of campus. You can visit the Grandfather Tree just behind Northland's main campus, and Lake Superior is only a short walk away. There are plenty of chances to go cross country and alpine skiing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, backpacking, running, or hiking. Students at Northland love to hang out in small groups, but there are plenty of events, get-togethers, and shin-digs that almost the entire student body attends. Every month we have a Coffee Haus where awesome bands perform and everyone gets a chance to dance and hang out all for free. In the winter we have Snofest, and in the spring we have Folkfest. All these events are provided for free by the Northland College Student Association.

Food and Dining

Northland is committed to buying local and sustainably produced food. Last semester almost 50% of the food in the cafeteria and snack bar (The Chub) was purchased locally. The cafeteria has a nice atmosphere with outdoor seating and you can get food from The Chub when the cafeteria isn't open. The meal plans can be pricey, so get the one with the fewest meals that still suits your needs.

Dorm Life

All students are required to live on campus for three years. While housing in Ashland is more affordable, it's nice to be a part of the community the dorms offer. There is a dorm for every kind of student, and you are sure to find a dorm that suits you. Northland's campus also has theme houses where you can live with people who share interests with you. These apartments have their own kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. You could be a part of the Haus of the Rising Sun (the music house), the Sportsman's Lodge, Mosaique, which celebrates diversity, or Gaia's Cradle, the gender and women's studies house.

Academic Rigor

Like any college, Northland's education is what you make of it. You could ease your way through college only taking basic-level classes and doing the bare minimum of course work. If you take your education seriously and take challenging courses, Northland can provide an amazing academic experience. The professors work closely with students and care about their academic success. Every student is assigned an academic advisor, who helps them make an academic plan and helps them to stay on track each semester.

Tips for prospective students

Look at the majors Northland offers and try to choose one before you arrive; we are a small school, so they might not have the major you want. Think about the kind of community you would like to live in for the next four years; Northland is a small, tight-knit, and very environmentally focused community. If you are willing to participate in the community, it can be an extremely rewarding experience. Apply for financial aid; Northland offers some of the best financial aid in the country. They now offer a four-year guarantee, which guarantees your tuition and financial aid package will remain the same all four years you will be here.

In three sentences

Northland is a small, environmental liberal arts college on the shore of Lake Superior. If you're looking for a school with greek life and a big city feel, it's not the place for you. But if you are looking for a community that cares about you, professors who are inspiring and down-to-earth, and a beautiful natural setting, I couldn't think of a better place than Northland.

Brooke from Illinois

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I'm not there yet but have been told the campus is safe.

Great for these types of students

Biology, Environmentalists, Free Thinkers

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the dorms has a freezer & cleaning room for the hunters & fishermen. You can store your meat there until you go home.

What to do for fun

Hunting, fishing, socializing, kayaking, hiking, etc.

Food and Dining

The food was great when I visited.

Tips for prospective students

The campus is small & everyone seems to know each other. Everyone was very friendly & eager to help when I visited. Northland was my pick out of the colleges I was accepted to because of the people & environment there.

In three sentences

Northland is a Biology & Environmental College with a small number of students so you will get a lot of time & information from your professors. You really feel a sense of Family here. I believe this is the best place for me to achieve my highest potential in my educational journey.

Murply from Ashland, WI

08/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 3 people found this review useful.
9 of 15

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Campus Safety

The students living on campus are very friendly and rarely is there ever a crime. Since I've attended, there has only been one account of something being done. That was when two boys stole a tv from a lounge. That's it.

Greek Life

There's no sororities or fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

There aren't many clubs, but you have he chance to always form one.

Great for these types of students

Biology Majors, Natural Resources Majors, outdoor Education Majors

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every now and then, a large group of students will camp, cook, dance, and sing on the Northland Mall. The Northland Mall is the grassy land in front of the Ponzio center.

Bang for the buck

For the price of tuition and living, Northland doesn't suffice. I am very disappointed in the way most programs are budgeted. The Art budget is little to none and it's quite annoying when I have a course fee of $200 while a Biology major will only pay $50.

What to do for fun

Since Ashland, WI is a small city of about 8,000, there isn't a whole lot to entertain yourself with. There is a Cinema and a couple nice restaurants. A lot of students will camp and hike in their free time. Kayaking and canoeing is also incorporated.

Food and Dining

Food is improving, but the cafeteria is provided by Chartwells and needless to say, they don't offer great service. The staff members are wonderful people, nice and caring, but the recipes are lacking.

Dorm Life

The dorms have recently been renovated and equipped with new furniture and appliances. Before, the dorms were very drab and falling apart. Most students leave their doors open to welcome other students to drop by and chat.

Academic Rigor

The classes here are very lenient and laid back. The amount of students in each class are also very minuscule as there are about 15 maybe 20 in each class. If you turn in your work and try, you receive good grades. Don't try, and fail.

Tips for prospective students

Northland is a school that is centered mainly around Biology and Natural Resources. If you plan on majoring in Art or Music, I would look elsewhere. The Art program is very unstable and could give out at any moment.

In three sentences

Northland College is a very disorganized college. The professors are completely knowledgeable on their subjects and teach well. The way things are processed in the business office is very incompetent.

Niki from Livonia, MI

01/01/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 3 people found this review useful.
10 of 15

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Campus Safety

Nothing horrible goes on at Northland. The campus is so small, I have a hard time imagining any catastrophes. There are campus security guards who patrol the campus regularly. Only thing is that they are very lenient when it comes to underage students drinking or people smoking pot.

Greek Life

There is no greek life on campus.

Clubs and Activities

Most of the clubs are poorly advertised and poorly attended. I've heard rumors of a lot of clubs, but only know about three of them: The Alliance, Art League, and Anime Club.

Great for these types of students

Division 3 athletes, hippies, and people who love the environment. Northland is a good school for Biology majors, outdoor Ed majors, and Sustainable Community Development majors.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Northland celebrates queeb (I have no idea if I spelt that correctly) where one of the current faculty, when attending Northland, made up a roommate because he wanted a single. It took the school a while to figure out that this student, named Floyd E. Queeb, did not exist. Now, Northland students celebrate the day he was found out by partying.

Bang for the buck

Northland gives pretty much everyone half tuition scholarships, and then adds on more for those they deem deserving. Most of the students attend the school because it was the only affordable option for them (which, unfortunately, brings in a lot of people who don't necessarily want to be at that particular school). Also, most of the scholarships need to be applied to around march before your freshman year. If you miss it, you're out of luck. Nobody else is allowed to apply for a scholarship except the incoming freshmen. The nice thing about that, however, is that the scholarships earned are retained throughout your entire college career there.

What to do for fun

There are wellness courses all year long that take up a lot of time, fulfill a graduation requirement, and are a lot of fun. Besides that, there are res life programs all the time, though most people don't attend. It seems like the most active social event are random parties students throw, as well as the Coffee Haus's and First Friday Dances.

Food and Dining

Northland is run by a company called Chartwells. The meal plans here are required and EXPENSIVE. The student bookstore has decent food, some of which you can use meals for, but it can be expensive. There are times in the cafeteria where the only edible to eat are french fries, and sometimes those aren't even good. A lot of people never to to the caf and waste their meals. The workers there are generally very nice, though.

Dorm Life

Most of the Dorms are pretty run-down. The rooms are generally small. There are a lot of noisy people, especially in McMillan, the athletic dorm. People party and drink all the time. It's quite annoying if you are attending the school to expand your education, not to drink.

Academic Rigor

None of my classes at Northland have been very hard or required a lot of effort. I do not feel I am getting the best level of education here. The professors make an effort to make sure everyone learns, and I know quite a few people who have had trouble in class. Academically, though, it is not challenging for me.

Tips for prospective students

If you are a serious student who wants the most out of your education, don't go here. If you enjoy partying, this is a good school. The campus is beautiful and the people are really friendly, to which I would give five stars. It's a nice place to be, but not to study.

In three sentences

Northland is a school with a lot of friendly people. The personalities here seem to be very diverse. Good or bad, most people come to this school because they can afford it.

Michaela from East Berne, NY

We are a rather small campus, and by and large crime is not prevalent here. We have campus security.

Clubs and Activities

Because we are so small we don't have as many clubs as other schools might. That being said we still do have a good variety, including Alliance, Humanities Club, Paws and Claws, and Environmental Council.

Great for these types of students

Students that are looking for a small class size, with a focus on the environment. People who have an open mind are better for Northland, as well as those who have a lot of compassion.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a fire ring right on campus, and twice a year we have Pow wows lead by the nearby Ojibwe tribe.

Bang for the buck

Over 95 percent of students receive financial aid here. Northland offers a variety of scholarships to assure affordability. I feel like thus far my classes have definitely prepared me for a future career in my major.

What to do for fun

Sometimes in Northland you have to look for fun. If you want to do nothing, it is easy to sit in your room and be isolated. But if you take a look at the posters plastered all over campus, you'd realize there's loads to do here. We have many events related to Gender and Sexuality, Sustainable Living, Environmental Speakers, and much more! We have dog sled races that occur near the college, a local small town movie theater, and a huge city only an hour and a half away.

Food and Dining

I am personally a really big fan or our dining situation. Here at Northland nearly 40 percent of our food is acquired locally. We support a local dairy by buying all our ice cream from them, which is so cool! We have a good amount of vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Dorm Life

The dorms are all right, rather small. However everyone is typically really friendly, and we are all just kind of one large family. There are often events occurring in the dorms run by RAs, such as movie nights.

Academic Rigor

Northland is a lot about lifestyle and personal growth. Personally I have not found my classes really difficult here, but they have taught me a great deal about my major. Northland is very hands on and about getting you directly in the field which is nice.

Tips for prospective students

Involve yourself in a lot of things here. Northland has a lot to offer, but because it is so small and in such a tiny town, some people feel like there is nothing to do here. Get involved in clubs or sports, don't just go to class.

In three sentences

Northland college is a great school that is really focused on the environment and sustainability. It is very small, having only about 600 students total. This means a lot of one on one time with professors, and getting a very community like feel on campus.

There is a lot of stuff sponsored either by the college itself or the students who want to liven the place up. There are slack lines to balance yourself on, and recently a few frisbee golf goals have been set up.

Food and Dining

It is a mission within the college to provide as much locally grown and organic/natural food as possible, and so far I can say it is absolutely delicious. Vegan options are also kept in mind. There is a store nicknamed The Chub for when you want something to snack on or have a small meal without having to sit down in the Cafeteria. Also, the people who grow the vegetables in the gardens/greenhouses on campus set up shop in front of the store to sell their produce to passerby.

Dorm Life

People can get rowdy at all hours of the day and shenanigans can happen. Plus, despite it being against the rules to light up, weed has been known to be smoked by the residential potheads in the dorms, as well as drinking parties. This is what I've heard, mind you.

Academic Rigor

It can get intense but the professors are very encouraging and understanding, for the most part. You just have to ask and as long as you don't make a habit of it they'll usually forgive you at the very least 4 times.

Tips for prospective students

If you don't like nature at all, you're going to have a bad time. Trust me, these people are very into nature, plant life, sustainable living, eco-friendly alternatives, home grown food, all that good stuff.

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